Spotlight Band: Howie Day

A brand new Day has arrived, brimming full of talent

It happened to the Dave Matthews Band. It's happening to John Mayer. It will happen to Howie Day. For those of you who take pride in finding your artists while they are still 'underground' and not yet a part of the ridiculous hype referred to as "the music industry," get your hands on a copy of Howie Day's album. Find somewhere quiet where you can listen and do just that: listen.

"Australia," the 21-year- old Bangor, Maine native's debut album, comes across with the insights and raw emotion of a man whose work reflects countless years of toil and heartbreak. Bittersweet lyrics blend flawlessly with Day's solo guitar work on tracks such as "She Says."

Though some may find his album to be less than uplifting, his short list of inspirations will offer up an explanation. Among them is Richard Ashcroft, former front man of The Verve, whose music was pure genius because of its simple and beautiful writing. The same goes for Howie Day.

There is a good chance you may have heard the work of Howie Day and don't know it. Recall last year's film "i am sam." The soundtrack, certified gold, featured a bevy of Beatles standards covered by some of today's most reputable artists. Among the remakes can be found a masterful rendition of "Help" as done by Day. Covering the Beatles is nothing new to the artist. Years ago while struggling to be heard in local bars and clubs, Day would insert a Beatles cover or an Elton John tune to capture the audience's attention.

Among the solid performances on "Australia," a few demand an even higher level of praise. "Ghost," the first single released from the album, achieves and possibly exceeds what David Gray had such success with on "White Ladder."

Beginning with electronic drum beats soon overlapped by the soulful strumming of an acoustic, "Ghost" sticks with you. It is a sonnet perfect for 'those moments' when the right words don't have to be yours. "Secret," the second track on the album, works as an anthem for anyone who has ever been lost in the mystery of 'that someone' who manages to elude you always. The track opens with traces of John Mayer-ish guitar work, but quickly develops into an edgier sound than the other 20-something crooner has accomplished.

Produced during various recording sessions spanning the better part of a year, "Australia" is an excellent debut for an artist whose talent comes across indisputably. His are songs that comfort the downhearted and worn out, providing the occasional ray of hope for inspiration. Day has introduced himself to the world shamelessly. He is holding nothing back, his heart proudly brandished upon his sleeve. The only thing left to do is listen.